General Fiat Punto HGT Long term project

[HGTCraig]

Hi All,

Thought it was about time that since i've sought so much help already from the forum, I at least take the time out to put some pictures up and keep those who may read these posts updated with my very slow progress.

I have an ideal car in mind, which consists of the punto shell (As i love them to bits) - Over time I hope to slowly get my car to the stage that I want.




Mods so far -

• Pipercross viper induction kit
• Supersprint centre pipe + backbox
• NGK Spark plugs
• Infinity perfect front speakers, infinity rears, infinity sub + Amp
• Debadged boot
• Removed Sidestrips

Money is a very big factor in this slow project, so i am picking one thing to do at a time.




Next Mod -

• Lowering springs 50mm (Yet to choose brand)

Here are the pics of my car thus far, any comments welcome. Yes, I know that the crossovers may not look the best but upon taking the door cards off I coudln't find a good place to put them as they are so damn big !




Will be back in touch soon on this thread with any updates to my project.

Thanks for taking an interest,

 

[Henchman]

Nice work man,

I think you might have the same 6x9's as me too


How much as the central pipe?

I wana show my exhaust

 

[HGTCraig]

How much as the central pipe?

I wana show my exhaust

Thanks mate, its a work in progress =)

My central pipe cost me £130, the place I got it from was the cheapest anywhere on the web (That I found at least) Does almost every type of punto

http://www.motorsportworld.co.uk/detprod.asp?productcode=SUP814513&PID=419135

This is the link to mine

 

[DaveMcT]

Some of these would be good.
https://www.fiatforum.com/punto/240034-fk-ak-coilovers.html

But don't even think of skimping the servicing - HGTs bite.

 

[bredsticz]

What's the lil kit you have in the green box attached to the door?

 

[DaveMcT]

Speaker cross-overs? Seems a shame to not put them under the seats

 

[HGTCraig]

Some of these would be good.
https://www.fiatforum.com/punto/240034-fk-ak-coilovers.html

But don't even think of skimping the servicing - HGTs bite.

Morning WhiteSei,

As always I look forward to your comments, you have been helpful to me in the past and having read through your comments on other threads you certainly know your stuff !!

I had been looking at some springs alone that were @ approx' £100 - £150 dependent on brand etc... presumably the above would be far better suited that just springs alone? Not sure if you remember from previous threads but my technical knowledge is a little limited - I got a little confused with all the shocks, dampers, coilovers springs etc... What I did know was that springs lowered my car so that it didn't look so silly =)

 

[HGTCraig]

What's the lil kit you have in the green box attached to the door?

It's my speaker crossovers! I was frustrated with myself for not being able to locate them anywhere else. The connecting tube from car to door had next to no room to get additional wires through so not wanting to run the risk of damaging existing electronics in the door I had to, regrettably, settle for their current location =(

 

[burtz]

£200 for the coilovers is a bargain. As you mentioned, you pay £100-£150 just for the springs.

 

[HGTCraig]

£200 for the coilovers is a bargain. As you mentioned, you pay £100-£150 just for the springs.

Hi burtz,

I totally agree but do get a little apprehensive as the phrase...

"If it's to good to be true..."

 

[DaveMcT]

Has anyone done more than a few miles on these shocks?

 

[HGTCraig]

Has anyone done more than a few miles on these shocks?

Hi Whitesei -

I have tried to do some research over the web on these but there isn't that much about, I'm sure you can understand my apprehention towards things that may be to good to be true.

Having read threads that go on to say just how severe the implications can be from messing with this type of kit it certainly puts me on the side of caution ! - I am so eager though to drop my car a little lower for its cosmetic appeal + The handling in the corners to be a little stiffer

 

[HGTCraig]

Hi All,

With the arrival of glorious sunshine I thought what a great time to nip down to the local Halfords and get some bo ttles spray paint, sandpaper - The whole works !!

Having seen a few little design treats (Interior) on the forum I thought I'd try my hand at a few of them. First starting with the air vents as shown from another persons thread -



Once I've done and put to my car I will get back to you all, looking to do some work on the rear ashtray and the little tray that runs through the middle.

Anyone else done this work that could say what it all looks like? (I'm going for silver in keeping with my car)

Enjoy the sunshine folks !

 

[HGTCraig]

Whilst waiting for my painted items to dry I had a look at what the car would be like without the strips on the pillar between front and rear of the car. Having looked through google images I saw it look both good and bad dependent on car, angle shot etc... None the less, I hate the plastic trims, back to black does nothing to restore so i saw an opportunity to bring more of the paintwork through and took it - Any comments people, good or bad welcome??

One before shot and two after -

 

[m20b25]

Hi!

I see you complaining about back to black.... Yeah its pretty useless alright I use stuff called tango, Its technically a tyre shine but does all plastics and vinyl. Brings the car back to life

 

[DaveMcT]

The snag with lowered springs is cheap ones are simply cut shorter so they get stiffer. 50mm off a 300mm spring makes it about 15% stiffer. OK maybe, but its also lost that initial compliance so you get a very jiggly ride. Add some new shocks (as you should) and its now VERY stiff.

More expensive springs should be engineered to have the right spring rate for the shorter length (probably smaller diameter spring bar). The snag is they are mainly aimed at track tuning so can still be too stiff for road use.

Now you've slammed the car and after you've got over the joy and delight of its new looks you realise you hate the ride and skippy handling on rough roads.
Oh Poo - that's an expensive goof to make.

Adjustable struts with standard length springs allow you to get the ride height where you want it. They cost more but its not a fit an hope situation.

Finally you may need to fit shorter bump stops. The standard stuff can be too long with every medium to larger bump slamming into the stops.

So doing it properly isnt cheap, but at least you get to keep your fillings (and spinal discs) and you dont get that chavvy jiggly ride they think is so kooul. :devil:

 

[HGTCraig]

Hey all, as promised, new pictures of my recently sprayed interior. This is the first time I've ever done painting (Apart from at school) - Really happy with how it looks in terms of it not being black. Woul d prefer a duller silver as this is a little "In your face" maybe one to many coats of laquer!! Now I get the gist o f this, I will strip down again (Including centre console) and get it all matched up. Again any comments welcome -

 

[HGTCraig]

The snag with lowered springs is cheap ones are simply cut shorter so they get stiffer...Add some new shocks (as you should) and its now VERY stiff.

More expensive springs should be engineered to have the right spring rate for the shorter length ... Adjustable struts with standard length springs allow you to get the ride height where you want it. They cost more but its not a fit an hope situation.

Finally you may need to fit shorter bump stops.

So doing it properly isnt cheap, but at least you get to keep your fillings (and spinal discs) and you dont get that chavvy jiggly ride they think is so kooul. :devil:

Hi WhiteSei,

Say If I had a budget of £600 to complete the work above, what would you recommend at this marker? Have you changed yours?

p.s - What on earth is a "Bump Stop", is this what you mean when I gently nudge my wifes car upon parking

 

[DaveMcT]

Mine are standard and for now will have to do. I cant help other than to say suspension gets a hard life so dont skimp the parts.

The bump-stop is a rubber knob that stops the suspension hitting the chassis.

Way outside the budget, but there's some serious kit in this one. Too stiff for the road and noisy

 

[HGTCraig]

Way outside the budget, but there's some serious kit in this one. Too stiff for the road and noisy

If i was to perhaps get a lowering kit (not stupidly low) just enough for the asthetic factor that as looking for.

Then save up over time to get the better kit I was after? My ultimate goal for this car is to complete an engine conversion to the 2.0 20v that I've seen done and then have that turbo charged (If it's possible) Naturally with this kind of strain on the small frame a lot of upgraded parts would be needed so perhaps I'm jumping the gun and doing things in reverse??